WATCH LIVE: NJ Audubon Eagle Cam in South Jersey

Philadelphia isn’t the only home to a team of eagles preparing for a live broadcast this month. A group of our nation’s beloved bald eagles have taken their 18th annual flight to Salem, where they are nesting on a Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) transmission tower. For the first time in this location, the public can watch live online as a new starting line-up of eaglets hatch, thanks to a partnership between New Jersey Audubon and PSE&G.

New Jersey Audubon is a not-for-profit organization that fosters environmental awareness and a conservation ethic among New Jersey’s citizens. The PSE&G NJ Audubon Eagle Cam is the latest in a longstanding partnership founded on an appreciation for nature. Funding for the eagle cam was made possible by a grant from the PSEG Foundation.

“The eagle cam will give millions the opportunity to witness first hand this amazing success story of our national bird’s recovery. This exciting endeavor would not be possible without support from PSE&G,” said Eric Stiles, president and CEO of New Jersey Audubon. “PSE&G has been an important conservation partner of NJ Audubon’s in helping us protect New Jersey wildlife and habitat.”

There are nine PSE&G transmission towers in New Jersey where eagles have previously or are currently nesting. The utility takes steps to protect the birds as well as its electrical equipment. Whenever possible, PSE&G teams modify their work schedules to avoid towers where active nests are present.

Rob Pollock, PSE&G’s senior director of environmental projects and services, said, “We have an excellent partnership with New Jersey Audubon, and we have worked with them on a number of important initiatives to benefit birds and other wildlife here in New Jersey. We are pleased to help share the beauty of these majestic birds with eagle enthusiasts everywhere.”

The recovery of the Bald Eagle in New Jersey is a success story. In 1973, when the Endangered and Nongame Species Conservation Act was passed, there was just one nesting pair, in a remote forest in Cumberland County. Thanks to efforts from organizations including NJ Audubon, NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife and Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ, the species is coming back from the brink of extinction. Today, there are more than 150 nesting pairs of bald eagles statewide. Eagles are still on the endangered species list, but by protecting habitat and waterways used by eagles, smart conservation will help to maintain and enhance this species' recovery.